Cebu stops MisOr, evens title series

MANILA, Philippines - M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu got back at Misamis Oriental, 78-75, to even their title series at one game apiece in the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Conference 1 at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City last Wednesday.

The Cebuanos shackled the Meteors’ top gunners early then held on down the stretch to pound out the win and avenge their, 87-90, setback in the opener of the best-of-five title series.

Despite the loss, the Meteors remain confident of their chances for a first-ever championship in the tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga Pilipinas since they will host Games 3 and 4 in Cagayan de Oro City. Game 5, if necessary, will be held in Cebu on Sept. 13.

Mark Magsumbol stole off a driving Reed Juntilla, paving the way for a pair of charities by Froilan Baguion, who made it 69-63 for Cebu.

The Meteors, however, refused to give up and threatened to within, 75-77, on a Stephen Padilla split with 22 seconds left.

But Cebu toughened up on defense, forcing the Meteors to take low percentage shots for the win.

Nat Cruz led Cebu with 14 points while Magsumbol and Dacia added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Juntilla and Raneses were held to a combined 14-point output after exploding for 19 and 17 points, respectively, in Game 1.